Follow us on Social Media

100 Year Old CA Man Breaks Track & Field World Records

Who knew that less than two months after turning 100 years old, Don Pellmann would be busy breaking world records.

The senior from Santa Clara showed up at his first track meet since the ripe, young age of 98 to compete at the San Diego Senior Olympics held at San Diego Mesa College and walked away with 5 new world records.

Pellmann became the first centenarian to record marks in the long jump and high jump and broke world records in the 100-meter dash, shot put and discus. Most importantly, he didn’t break any bones while doing so!

Seriously, whatever this guy’s routine has been for the last 10 decades, fill us in. This guy belongs on the front of a Wheaties box.

Pellmann’s records:

High jump – .90 meters (2 feet 11 1/2 inches)

Long jump – 5’10”

100-meters – 26.99 seconds (previously held by Japan’s Hidekichi Miyazaki in 2010 with a time of 29.83)

Shot put – 6.56 meters (21 feet, 6 1/4 inches)

Discus – 14.86 meters (48 feet, 9 inches)

Pellmann was still disappointed in his efforts because he didn’t clear the bar in the pole vault (opening height of 3-1 3/4), even though he achieved the height in warmups.

In 2005, Pellmann also set seven age-group records at a two-day meet in Colorado at age 90.